Most of the massive amount raised by the run went to help Kirsty's fund and for Cancer Research, with hundreds of other charities also due to benefit.

Stars and celebrities also took part, including Michael le Vell, who plays Kevin Webster in Coronation Street and BBC North West Tonight's Gordon Burns, who ran for the second year.

Novice jogger Sharon Carroll ran in memory of her eight-year-old daughter Dana, who tragically died from cancer in March. She was joined by her friend Rebecca Foster to raise money for two children's charities.

Sharon said: "I've got a sore ankle, but Rebecca was a tower of strength and I was delighted to finish.

"So far, we've raised more than é1,000 and the money is still coming in and I'm planning to do it again next year."

Fun runner Stu Andrew, 33, of Sale, said: "I've done a few Manchester marathons, but this was more enjoyable because of the atmosphere, which was fantastic.

"And it was a magic moment heading back into the city centre towards the finishing line, with everybody cheering the runners along."

Tram driver Colin Peet, 44, drove the last tram from Piccadilly to St Peter's Square before the start of the race, dressed in his running gear.

He then ran the race along with 12 colleagues from Metrolink, which named the tram The Great Manchester Runner in honour of the event.

The oldest person to complete the race was Marjory Hawker-Bond, 86, from Rochdale, who finished in under two hours.

Perhaps the most romantic couple were Richelle Carlonas and boyfriend Kevin Gwin, who flew in from Ohio in America to compete in the race.

He had a special surprise for her as they crossed the finishing line - he popped the question as they were being interviewed on BBC TV and a delighted Richelle said yes in front of cheering crowds and millions of viewers.

David Hart, marketing director of Nova International, which organised the BUPA-sponsored race in partnership with Manchester city council, was delighted with the way the event went and said it was a great showcase for the city.

"We are looking at various ways of making the event even bigger and better," he said, "but this would involve changes to the course. It's the fastest-growing event of its kind in the country and we had to turn away around 8,000 applications.

"We are going to be having various meetings over the next few weeks to see where we go from here, but this race has now established itself as part of the sporting calendar in Manchester. Without doubt it's here to stay - a great run in a great city."

Helen Jackson, national events manager for Cancer Research UK, said: "We've had fantastic support, with more than 4,000 people running for us and we are hoping their efforts have raised more than é250,000.

"It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves. Not only were they competing 10km, they were also raising money for a cause which touches so many people."